Cuba Accuses US of Genocide Due to Economic Restrictions

Luke Cooper wrote this article.

The topic is world politics.

It was published on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 9:14 am.

There are empty streets in Old Havana, the capital of Cuba.

In short, Cuba is in a difficult situation.

Cuba's government says the US is causing a genocide by restricting trade and travel.

US sanctions and poor management have stopped Cuba's health, humanitarian, and economic systems from working.

What happens next is uncertain.

Cuba's government has approved big changes to try to fix the economy.

A power outage recently affected the whole country.

The power outage is the latest problem for a country already struggling with energy, fuel, and medicine shortages.

Bakers in Cuba work long hours, and doctors have trouble getting to hospitals.

Families wake up early to cook food before the power goes out, and there is no running water.

This is what life is like in Cuba due to the economic and humanitarian crisis.

Pharmacy shelves in Havana are mostly empty.

US President Donald Trump's restrictions have made the situation worse.

Cuba's government says the US is committing genocide.

This is based on data from the past six months.

Cuba is on the brink of collapse.

The US increased pressure on Cuba with an executive order.

The order cut off Cuba's energy supplies, causing daily blackouts.

The US has had a trade embargo on Cuba since 1960.

The embargo restricts US exports to and imports from Cuba.

This year's measures have made things worse for Cuba.

It is genocidal, illegal, and against international law.

The US used to have a policy called the Monroe Doctrine.

US measures have contributed to the deaths of many children.

Cuba's bakers work long hours because they do not know when they will get more flour.

Government food supplies are disrupted, and people cannot afford food from private stores.

There are power outages, and rubbish is piling up.

Some Cubans are using electric vehicles due to the oil shortage.

The power outage on Monday was the eighth nationwide outage since October.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused the US of trying to cause social unrest.

Electricity was restored to some areas after several hours.

The baby death rate in Cuba is the worst it has been in 30 years.

Between 2018 and 2025, many Cuban babies died due to US sanctions.

The infant mortality rate grew by 148 percent.

The US blockade has caused the mortality rate to double.

The trend has worsened due to US sanctions, economic mismanagement, and the pandemic.

The blockade has a big impact on people's daily lives.

Cuba is in a medical crisis.

The blockade has affected the healthcare sector.

There are shortages of medical supplies, and many people are waiting for surgery.

The child cancer survival rate has dropped, and the immunization program is at risk.

The Trump administration's measures have reduced essential medicine supplies.

Cuba is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.

US sanctions have decimated Cuba's economy.

The trade embargo has restricted trade, travel, and humanitarian aid.

The Trump administration has taken further measures to restrict Cuba's economy.

Sanctions have been imposed on Cuban institutions and regime figureheads.

The US has sanctioned Cuba's largest military-controlled business administration group.

Several hotel chains have severed ties with the group and ceased operations in Cuba.

Shipping companies have suspended bookings to and from Cuba.

Cuba's central bank has suspended Visa and Mastercard transactions.

More sanctions have been imposed on Cuban entities and individuals.

The combined restrictions have stopped Cuba's economy.

The Cuban regime has approved a package of reforms to revive the economy.

The reforms include the possibility of privatization in key sectors.

The move follows months of protests despite government repression.

The US policy is trying to keep pressure on Cuba.

A mural in Old Havana reads 'this is the heart of the island'.

The reform package may be a sign that the regime recognizes the need for change.

People have reached a level of fatigue and exasperation.

The article was published on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 9:14 am.

See more ABC coverage in your search results.

Practice Listening